Nestled in the heart of Connecticut, Hartford experiences a diverse range of weather conditions throughout the year.
The warmest month in Hartford is July, with average highs reaching 84°F and lows around 66°F.
This period from late spring to early fall is ideal for outdoor activities, as the city’s parks and waterfront areas bask in the sun.
The cold season in Hartford lasts from December to early March, characterized by average daily highs staying below 46°F.
Snow is common during this period, especially in February, which sees about 1.14 inches of snowfall over 5.7 days.
Winter lovers can enjoy the city’s snowy landscapes and holiday festivities.
Hartford’s climate is classified as humid continental, featuring noticeable seasonal contrasts.
August typically sees temperatures ranging from 64.2°F to 83°F.
Year-round, the city experiences varied weather phenomena, from sunny summer days to foggy autumn mornings, adding to its unique charm.
For detailed climate information, visit the year-round weather in Hartford.
Average Temperature in Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford experiences a variety of temperatures throughout the year.
The hottest month is July, with an average high of 84°F and an average low of 66°F.
January is the coldest month in Hartford. During this month, the average low temperature drops to 22°F, and the average high is 36°F.
| Month | Average High (ºF) | Average Low (ºF) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 36 | 22 |
| February | 39 | 24 |
| March | 48 | 31 |
| April | 60 | 40 |
| May | 71 | 50 |
| June | 79 | 59 |
| July | 84 | 66 |
| August | 82 | 64 |
| September | 75 | 57 |
| October | 63 | 45 |
| November | 52 | 36 |
| December | 41 | 27 |
Day and night temperatures in Hartford show a significant difference, especially in the winter months.
In August, for example, the average temperature is around 74°F, while nights can cool down to about 53°F.
As the seasons change, so does the weather.
March and April see a gradual increase in temperature, moving from an average high of 48°F in March to 60°F in April.
By October, temperatures begin to cool again, with an average high of 63°F and a low of 45°F.
The varied climate offers a full range of seasonal weather.
Meanwhile, February is notable for snowfall, often accumulating up to 1.14 inches of snow.
Winters are cold and often come with strong winds, influencing the temperature fluctuations throughout the day.
Average Precipitation in Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford, Connecticut, experiences seasonal variations in both rainfall and snowfall. Each type of precipitation contributes to the annual climate patterns, with unique monthly averages and notable wet and dry periods.
Average Rainfall in Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford receives around 45 inches of rainfall each year. The city sees rain across all months, but May and June tend to be the wettest months, with each recording around 4 inches of rain.
Summertime thunderstorms and frequent showers contribute significantly to these totals.
Autumn also brings considerable rainfall, with October averaging over 3.5 inches. Conversely, February is often the driest month, with less than 3 inches of rain.
Despite these patterns, there can be variation year-to-year, making forecasting a bit challenging.
Local residents and visitors should be prepared for rain when planning outdoor activities, especially in late spring and early summer.
Average Snow in Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford experiences considerable snowfall mainly from December to February. The city averages around 51 inches of snow annually.
February is typically the snowiest month, accumulating almost 15 inches.
Snowfall begins in earnest by late November, and the snow season extends until early March.
During this period, snowstorms and icy conditions are common, requiring residents to frequently shovel driveways and sidewalks.
Snow days are frequent, impacting school schedules and transportation.
Understanding these patterns is crucial for those planning winter travel or activities in Hartford. For more on snow and ice, you can visit Snow and Ice.
Average Sun in Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford experiences varying levels of solar energy and daylight throughout the year. These changes influence both the amount of sunshine hours and the length of days.
Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy in Hartford, Connecticut
In Hartford, the average daily shortwave solar energy peaks during the summer months.
The longest day of the year, around June 21, sees the most daylight with the sun rising around 5:20 AM and setting around 8:30 PM.
During this period, Hartford enjoys up to 15 hours of daylight.
Conversely, the shortest day of the year, around December 21, experiences significantly less daylight.
On this day, the sun typically rises around 7:15 AM and sets around 4:30 PM, providing just 9 hours of daylight.
The solar energy varies greatly, with higher values in the summer and lower in the winter.
The number of sunny days and overall sunshine hours reflect these changes, ensuring that residents and visitors can plan activities according to the seasonal solar patterns.
Average Humidity in Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford experiences varying humidity levels throughout the year.
On average, September is the most humid month with a relative humidity of 72.0%. In contrast, April is the least humid month, averaging 58.0% World Weather & Climate Information.
Monthly Average Humidity in Hartford
| Month | Average Relative Humidity (%) |
|---|---|
| January | 70.3 |
| February | 71.9 |
| March | 70.9 |
| April | 58.0 |
| May | 63.0 |
| June | 66.1 |
| July | 68.5 |
| August | 69.3 |
| September | 72.0 |
| October | 70.1 |
| November | 68.9 |
| December | 70.7 |
In Hartford, daily humidity can range from moderate to high.
For instance, relative humidity can peak in the evening around 70.7% in January but drop to about 55.3% in the afternoon Current Results.
Muggy conditions, characterized by higher dew points, are common in summer. These conditions may make the air feel heavier and more uncomfortable during hot months.
Understanding these patterns is useful for those planning activities or living in Hartford.
Average Wind in Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford, Connecticut experiences varying wind speeds throughout the year.
On average, the wind speed is around 10 kilometers per hour (6 miles per hour).
The winds in Hartford show distinct patterns depending on the time of year.
The wind is most often from the south for two periods. First, from May 10 to May 23; and second, from July 30 to September 28. During these times, the wind peaks with a percentage as high as 35%.
The average wind speed tends to be higher during the windiest month, which is typically March. In March, the average wind speed can reach up to 13 miles per hour.
Understanding wind patterns can be useful for various activities, including planning outdoor events or understanding weather conditions for gardening or sports.
A detailed study of wind trends can be found in topics related to wind.
Wind speeds and directions can significantly influence the weather, making it an essential factor to consider when looking at Hartford’s climate.
Average Air Quality in Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford, Connecticut experiences varying levels of air quality throughout the year. The city’s air quality index (AQI) can range from “Good” to “Moderate” depending on the season and weather conditions.
Air Quality Index Ratings
- Good (0-50 AQI): Typically observed on days with clear skies and low air pollution levels.
- Moderate (51-100 AQI): Can occur during warmer months when particulate matter and ozone levels increase.
Common Pollutants
Hartford’s air quality is influenced by several pollutants:
- Particulate Matter (PM2.5): Fine particles that can affect health, particularly on days with high traffic or industrial activity.
- Ozone: Often higher during hot, sunny days due to the reaction between sunlight and pollutants from vehicles and industries.
- Carbon Monoxide: Generally low, but can increase with higher vehicle emissions.
Historical Data
Based on data from 2020, Hartford had 347 days classified as “Good” for air quality.
This reflects an improvement from previous years, where the average number of good air quality days was lower.
Seasonal Variations
Air quality in Hartford can vary by season:
- Winter: Generally better air quality due to lower temperatures and reduced levels of ozone.
- Summer: Higher temperatures and sunlight can increase ozone levels, leading to more “Moderate” AQI days.
Residents and visitors can track real-time air quality data for Hartford using resources like AccuWeather and IQAir. These tools provide forecasts and detailed information on current air quality conditions.
Topography of Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford, Connecticut, sits at an elevation of about 59 feet above sea level. The city’s geography is marked by its location in the Connecticut River Valley.
This valley offers a mix of flat land and gentle hills, making the area both scenic and functional for various land uses.
Hartford’s latitude is approximately 41.7658° N, while its longitude is around 72.6734° W.
These coordinates place Hartford in a temperate climate zone, contributing to its well-defined seasons and diverse weather patterns.
The Connecticut River, one of the major rivers in New England, flows through Hartford. This river has played a significant role in shaping the city’s topography.
The riverbanks are generally flat and fertile, which has been favorable for agriculture and urban development.
In addition to the Connecticut River, several smaller rivers and streams traverse the area.
These waterways contribute to the region’s diverse landscape, featuring a variety of ecosystems and natural features.
The city’s gentle hills and river valleys create a natural beauty that blends urban and rural elements.
This mix of terrain provides residents with various recreational opportunities, from hiking and biking in the rolling hills to boating and fishing on the river.
Extreme Weather Events that Occur in Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford, Connecticut experiences several extreme weather events throughout the year. These include tornadoes, heat waves, and significant flooding.
Tornadoes are less common but can still occur.
Recently, the city experienced an EF-0 tornado with winds reaching up to 85 mph. This was coupled with a heat wave, which contributed to the storm’s intensity.
Heat waves have become more frequent.
In summer, temperatures can soar, leading to a heat index of over 100°F. High humidity exacerbates the situation, making it crucial to follow safety protocols during these periods.
Flooding is another significant concern.
Climate change has increased the frequency of extreme 100-year floods.
These floods, which used to be rare, now might happen more often, posing a challenge to residents and infrastructure.
Table: Key Extreme Weather Events
| Event | Frequency | Impact on Hartford |
|---|---|---|
| Tornadoes | Occasional | Structural damage, power outages |
| Heat Waves | Increasingly Frequent | Health risks, energy consumption |
| Flooding | More frequent | Property damage, transportation disruption |
Best Time of the Year to Visit Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford, Connecticut, offers something unique in every season. The best times to visit are during mild spring and pleasant fall months. Summers can be warm and winters cold, but each season has its own charm.
What is Hartford, Connecticut Like in Spring
In spring, Hartford comes alive with blooming flowers and lush greenery.
Average temperatures range from the 40s to 60s °F, making it a comfortable time for outdoor activities. Rainfall is moderate, with April seeing about 4 inches of rain.
Spring is ideal for touring local parks and botanical gardens, like the Elizabeth Park Conservancy.
The mild weather also makes it a good time for walking tours of Hartford’s historical sites.
What is Hartford, Connecticut Like in Summer
Summers in Hartford are warm, with July being the hottest month.
Expect average highs around 84°F and lows near 66°F. Summer is popular for tourism, with many outdoor events and festivals.
Rainfall tends to be lower than in spring, making it a great season for hiking, boating, and other outdoor activities.
Hartford Riverfront is a favorite spot for locals and visitors, featuring concerts and waterfront activities.
What is Hartford, Connecticut Like in Fall
Fall in Hartford offers beautiful scenery as the leaves change color.
The weather is cool, with temperatures ranging from the 40s to the 70s °F. September is particularly pleasant, often described as the best month for good weather.
Fall is an excellent time for visiting vineyards and attending seasonal festivals. The Connecticut Renaissance Faire and the Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz are noteworthy events that attract many visitors.
What is Hartford, Connecticut Like in Winter
Winter in Hartford is cold and snowy.
Temperatures often drop to the 20s °F in January, the coldest month.
Snowfall can be moderate, with February receiving around 10 inches of snow.
Winter sports enthusiasts will find plenty to do, from skiing and snowboarding in nearby areas to ice skating at local rinks.
Indoor attractions like museums and theaters also provide warmth and entertainment during chilly days.